Highchair Bib and Food Catch Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes a new and improved infant&#39;s bib, wherein the bib comprises an outer bib surface, attachment straps, and a table edge attachment means configured for securing the lower portion of the bib to a highchair table edge. When attached to the highchair table, the outer bib surface forms a U-shaped catch that prevents crumbs from falling to the ground or onto the child-wearer&#39;s lap. The device significantly reduces the amount of food that falls onto the child&#39;s highchair and onto the floor, and minimizes the hassle associated with extensive clean-up jobs. The bib also provides extra opportunities for an infant to eat more of their food that has fallen onto the bib, and promotes better motor skills by keeping their food within reach. Alternatively, the device comprises a crumb catching pocket positioned on the outer bib surface with its own table edge attachment means.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/740,132 filed on Dec. 20 2012, entitled “Highchair Bib”. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bib devices. More specifically the invention relates to a bib with a hook and loop fastener attachment means at the base of the bib for securing the bib to a portion of a highchair, whereby the connection forms a catch upon which crumbs and other food are caught.

Bibs are garments worn around the neck and extend to a portion overlying the chest of a wearer to protect clothing from a variety of containments. A variety of bibs exist in the art, including that of medical bibs similar to that used at the dentist office, lead bibs to protect against radiation, and those most related to the present invention: infant bibs. Infant bibs are configured to prevent dropped food from coming into contact with the infant's clothing while feeding, and are commonly deployed during the first few years of a child's life.

Food protective bibs are most often used by infants to limit the messes that occur during eating, and, although less frequent, bibs are also used by adults when eating messy foods as well. The drawback of a traditional bib when used by an infant is that although the bib serves its purpose of protecting the chest of the child, the bib merely provides a barrier between the food and a shirt on the child, and fails to provide a shield against falling food onto the child seat or floor. The traditional bib does not block the buildup of unwanted crumbs and half-eaten food on the legs of the infant while feeding. Although the bib solves one issue, it is readily observed that this known design leads to other issues. What is desired is a bib that protects the clothing of an infant, but does so without leaving the lower body exposed as a receptacle for food particles.

Many users with children quickly realize the drawbacks of the traditional style of bib, and because of this there have been several attempts at solving these problems. These solutions often involve choosing foods which would not ruin clothing or manually feeding their children when foods are overly messy. While these may initially seem like good options, users find that foods still find its way to the floor and they are limiting their child's food options.

There are many devices known in the prior art attempt to provide bibs that catch food that is dropped or spilled by the infant. These devices include crumb catchers designed to retain food that is dropped by a child, however these devices fail to address the setbacks of not having a crumb catcher that attaches to a highchair food tray in order to catch a majority of dropped food, while also protecting the infant's clothing.

The present invention pertains to a new and improved bib device that includes a lower attachment means along the base of the device that is adapted to secure to the inner edge of a child's high chair table. The second fastener enables a user to attach the device to a highchair to form a U-shaped catch at the bottom of the bib, which helps to keep the compartment open for catching crumbs. Additionally, the device may comprise a pocket that is adapted for catching crumbs. The device significantly reduces the amount of food that falls onto the child's highchair and onto the floor, and minimizes the hassle associated with extensive clean-up jobs.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to bibs. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to bibs comprising catchers to retain food particles. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Devices of the prior art largely relate to bibs, whereby the bibs comprise either catchers to retain foods, or attachment means to secure the bib onto another object. However, while useful for their own purposes, the prior art devices fail to anticipate the bib of the present invention. The present invention provides a bib having hook and loop fasteners that are attachable to a corresponding hook and loop fastener located on a side of a highchair or similar table, wherein the bib comprises a pocket adapted for catching dropped food.

One such device that fails to anticipate the present invention is U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,065 to Sigl, which describes a bib with a crumb catcher, whereby the bib is designed to retain an open position. While the bib of Sigl is relevant in nature and similar to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a connection to a highchair in order to prevent crumbs from landing on the floor or on the lap of an infant.

Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,820 to Yielding describes a bib that attaches to a car seat or stroller, whereby the bib protects the clothing of the infant and the car seat. The bib also serves as a holder and catch for food, toys and other small objects the infant might have while sitting in their seat. While the bib of Yielding is connectable to a seat by hook and loop fasteners, it is substantially divergent from the present invention in that it wraps around the seat and attaches onto itself, whereas the present invention attaches directly to the chair.

Yet another device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,751 to Benjamin teaches a disposable bib having a pocket structure, whereby the bib includes a body panel, a pocket panel forming a pocket space, and a third panel joined to the pocket panel wherein the third panel includes a member that helps to maintain the pocket space in an open configuration. While the bib of Benjamin is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs from the present invention in that it fails to provide an attachment structure for connection to a highchair, whereby the connection forms a U-shaped catch that reduces the amount of food that might land on the legs of the infant or on the ground.

Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,506 to Reinhart, Jr. describes a bib, whereby the bib includes a pocket formed by a pocket panel adjacent a body panel. The bib also comprises a fastening assembly for joining shoulder extensions for joining the bib around an infant's neck. However, while the bib of Reinhart comprises pockets, it differs from the present invention in that it fails to provide a bib having an attachment means configured for attaching the bib to a highchair.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,521 to Baratta describes a bib for directing food or liquid onto a tray, whereby the tray includes a means about which the bib wraps around and secures to its self therearound. When food is spilled on the bib, the food slides down the bib and onto the tray. While the bib of Baratta is connectable to a seat, it is substantially divergent from the present invention in that it wraps around the seat and attaches onto itself, whereas the present invention attaches directly to the chair.

The present invention provides a device that reduces the likelihood that a child sitting in a highchair will cause food to fall onto the floor or their clothing. The device comprises a bib that has hook and loop fasteners for securing around the neck of the infant. The bib further includes a second set of fasteners for attachment onto the surface of the highchair or similar seat on which the infant resides. When the bib is connected to the highchair tray, the bib forms a U-shaped catch that is configured to catch whatever food particles or toys the infant might drop. Alternatively, the surface of the bib may contain a pocket that is adapted to catch dropped crumbs. The bib facilitates a reduction of the messes that an eating infant might cause, and further minimizes the trouble and stress associated with the repeated cleanings.

It is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing bib devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bibs now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when reducing the amount of food dropped onto the floor is desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bib device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide bib configured to reduce the amount of food that infants drop on the floor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new bib device including an attachment means, whereby the means is configured to mate with the side of a table.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new bib device, whereby the bib forms a U-shaped catch when attached to the side of a table.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows the bib of the present invention and a highchair, whereby the bib and the highchair comprise attachment means.

FIG. 2 shows the bib of the present invention while in use, whereby the illustration displays the step of connecting the bib and highchair.

FIG. 3 shows the bib of the present invention while in use, whereby the bib is connected to the highchair.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, whereby the bib includes an outer bib surface pocket.

FIG. 5 shows the alternative embodiment in use

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the bib of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for connection to a highchair, whereby the connection reduces the messes caused by an infant while eating. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown the bib and highchair of the present invention, whereby each comprises attachment means. The bib 10 includes an outer bib surface 12, straps 14, first 16 and second 20 table edge attachment means, and a head receiving aperture 18 formed by the connection of the straps 14 of the bib 10. The bib 10 is configured to protect the floor and an infant's clothing from dropped food. The bib 10 comprises a pair of straps 14 including attachment means 16 thereon, which are adapted for securing around the neck of an infant. The attachment means 16 include fasteners, wherein the fasteners may be one of hook and loop fasteners, strings, or other suitable attachment means. To implement the bib 10, the straps 14 are separated from each other and placed around the neck of the infant, whereby the outer bib surface 12 of the bib 10 lies over the chest and stomach of the infant. The straps are then secured around the neck of the infant, thereby forming a neck receiving aperture 18 therein.

A second attachment means 20 may be attached a lower portion of the outer bib surface 12 of the bib 10. The attachment 20 may be a hook and loop fastener in order to facilitate easy attachment and removal of the bib. The second attachment means 20 of the bib 10 is configured to be secured onto a complementary attachment means 34, which is positioned on a secondary device 30. The combination of the two attachment members forms a catch onto which food particles may be caught after being displaced by an infant. Moreover, the secondary device 30 may be one of a highchair, car seat, stroller, or other suitable device from which an infant may eat.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary device is an infant's highchair 30. The highchair 30 of the present invention is configured for use for an infant. The highchair 30 includes a table 32 and seat 36 sections. The highchair 30 may further comprises a complementary attachment means 34 secured to the table 32, whereby the attachment means 34 is configured for attachment with the attachment means 20 of the bib 10. The highchair table edge attachment means 34 can include hook and loop fasteners, however the fastener may comprise other suitable attachment means that correspond with the bib attachment means 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an illustration of the present invention in use, whereby there are directional arrows showing the method of connection. In use, the bib 10 comprises a pair of straps 14 and an attachment means 20 that is secured around the neck of an infant 40. The bib 10 is then placed in a manner that positions the outer bib surface of the bib 10 over the chest and stomach of the infant 40. Next the infant 40 is placed into a highchair 30 which includes a table portion 32, complementary attachment means 34, and a seat 36.

The highchair attachment means 34 is preferably placed on a side portion of the table 32 that is in close proximity to the infant. The attachment means 34 preferably matches the attachment means 20 of the bib 10 in both shape, size, and type in order to facilitate a connection thereon. Preferably, the attachment means 20 of the bib 10 is secured to the underside bib surface. The connections of the attachments 22, 34 form a U-shaped catch 22 when securing the bib attachment means 20 onto the highchair attachment means 34.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the present invention in use, wherein the bib 10 is connected to the highchair 30. It is known that infants often fail to keep their eating areas clean, and therefore it is contemplated that the present invention is best utilized during situations where an infant is eating. The bib 10 comprises an attachment means 20, which is preferably hook and loop fasteners. The fasteners 20 are located on the underside bib surface. The highchair 30 includes a complementary attachment means 34 that is secured onto the side of the table 32 of the highchair 30. The attachment means 20, 34, are securable onto each other, thereby forming a surface that is adapted to prevent dropped food from falling onto the lap of an infant, or from falling onto the floor.

The placement of the bib attachment means 20 on the underside of the bib 10 facilitates the forming of a U-shaped catch 22 on the outer bib surface 12 of the bib 10. Such a formation reduces the likelihood of food particles 50 falling onto the floor or onto the legs of an infant 40. Moreover, the U-shaped catch 22 provides an extended eating area for the infant 40. The extended area keeps food within an infant's eating proximity, thus creating better eating habits and promoting the health of the child 40. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the U-shaped catch 22 provides more opportunities for the infant 40 to grasp at their food, which increases their motor skills and reduces the frustrations that come with failings at eating.

The present invention provides a new infant's bib 10 which reduces the likelihood that food particles 50 would fall onto the floor or lap of an infant, whereby the invention comprises a bib 10 which is connectable to a highchair 30. The bib 10 includes a pair of straps 14 having attachment means 16 that are adapted to form an aperture 18 adapted for the reception of an infant's neck, attachment means 20 on the underside bib surface, and an outer bib surface 12, whereby the outer bib surface 12 forms a U-shaped catch 22 when attached to the highchair 30. The highchair 30 resembles a traditional highchair, wherein it comprises a table 32 and a seat 36, however the highchair 30 of the present invention further includes a complementary attachment means 34 secured onto the table 32. The attachment means 20 of the bib 10 is connectable to the complementary attachment means 34 of the table 32, whereby the attaching of the devices 10, 30, provides a surface onto which fallen food particles 50 are caught after being dropped by an infant 40.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an alternative embodiment to the bib of the present invention. The alternative bib 10′ comprises an outer bib surface 12′, straps 14′, and first 16′ and second 20′ attachment means. The alternative bib 10′ further includes a pocket 24′. The pocket 24′ is positioned on the exterior of the outer bib surface 12′. A hook and loop fastener, or other similar attachment means 20′ is located on an upper surface of the pocket 20′. The cavity 26′ of the bib 10′ is configured for catching dropped crumbs, whereafter an infant may recover and eat their food.

FIG. 5 displays a view of the alternative bib 10′ embodiment in use. Similar to the preferred embodiment, the table 32 of a highchair 30 comprises a corresponding attachment means 34. A user may attach the bib 10′ around the neck of an infant that is seated 36 in a highchair 30. The user may then connect the attachment means 20′ and 34 to secure the bib 10′ to the highchair table 32. The connection opens the pocket 24′ of the bib 10′ and forms a cavity 26′ therein, thereby enabling an infant to reacquire their dropped food 50.

The present invention provides additional opportunities for an infant 40 to obtain the food placed in front of them. These extra opportunities facilitate proper eating habits which lead to a healthier child. Moreover, the extra eating opportunities may facilitate the enhancement of motor skills by providing more practice at eating. The bib 10, 10′ is designed for those who want to promote healthy eating habits without having to worry about the messes associated with having an infant that is learning to feed themselves. The bib significantly reduces the amount of food that falls as a result of the infant's messes, and facilitates the training of an infant to eat more of their food and to become better at feeding themselves.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A bib configured for use with a child's highchair, comprising: a bib having an outer bib surface, an underside bib surface, and a pair of connectable straps extending from said bib; whereby said underside bib surface comprises a table edge attachment means; and whereby said table edge attachment means is adapted to secure said underside bib surface to a complementary attachment means along a table edge. 2) The bib of claim 1, wherein said outer bib surface is adapted to form a catch when said table edge attachment means and said complementary attachment means along a table edge are connected. 3) The bib of claim 1, wherein said bib is adapted to cover the legs, chest, and stomach of a child when said table edge attachment means is connected to said complementary attachment means along a table edge. 4) The bib of claim 1, wherein said table edge attachment means further comprises complimentary strips of hook and loop fasteners, whereon one strip is removable from the other and securable along a table edge. 5) The bib of claim 1, whereby said outer bib surface further comprises a pocket. 6) The bib of claim 5, whereby said pocket comprises a second table edge attachment means, and whereby said second table edge attachment means is adapted to secure said pocket to a complementary attachment means along a table edge. 7) The bib of claim 6, wherein said pocket is adapted to form an open cavity when said second table edge attachment means is secured onto said complementary attachment means along a table edge. 8) A bib configured for use with a child's highchair, comprising: a bib having an outer bib surface, an underside bib surface, a pocket on said outer bib surface, and a pair of connectable straps extending from said bib; whereby said pocket comprises an outer surface with a table edge attachment means; and whereby said table edge attachment means is adapted to secure said outer surface of said pocket to a complementary attachment means along a table edge. 9) The bib of claim 8, wherein said pocket is adapted to form an open cavity when said table edge attachment means is secured onto said complementary attachment means along a table edge. 10) The bib of claim 8, wherein said table edge attachment means further comprises complimentary strips of hook and loop fasteners, whereon one strip is removable from the other and securable along a table edge. 